O U R S P E C I A LT I E S

Specialized neurosurgical care, tailored to your life

A neurosurgical condition often brings a wave of questions and uncertainty. Whether you're dealing with chronic back pain, a movement disorder, or a complex brain diagnosis, the right team is your most important next step. At Neurosurgery Answer, a Northside Hospital neurosurgery practice, Dr. Gorecki and our team provide careful evaluation, clear diagnosis, and a treatment plan built around your safety and your goals. Wherever possible, our focus is the most effective, least invasive path to relieve your symptoms..

SPINE & BACK

Advanced spine and back careChronic back and neck pain can drain your energy and limit the activities you enjoy. We

treat a full range of spinal conditions, each with its own symptoms and its own best approach.

Common spine conditions we treat

• Disc herniation: sharp or shooting pain down the arms or legs (radiculopathy), numbness, tingling, or weakness.

• Spinal stenosis: narrowing of the spinal canal, often causing pain, cramping, or heaviness in the legs when standing or walking.

• Degenerative spine disease: age-related wear and tear leading to stiffness, chronic aching, and reduced flexibility.

• Myelopathy: spinal cord compression that can affect balance, coordination, handling objects, or steadiness of gait.

• Spondylolisthesis: slippage of one vertebra over another, which may cause back pain, hamstring tightness, or nerve symptoms.

• Sciatica: pain radiating from the lower back into the leg, commonly from nerve-root irritation.

How we diagnose

We combine a thorough physical exam with imaging to identify the source of your symptoms. Tools may include MRI and CT scans for detailed views of bone, discs, and nerves; X-rays to assess alignment; EMG and nerve-conduction studies to evaluate nerve function; and targeted injections to help locate the source of pain.

Treatment options

• Non-surgical care: physical therapy, medication management, and spine injections to reduce inflammation and improve mobility. Many patients improve with these conservative measures.

• Surgery, when it's needed: we favor minimally invasive approaches whenever appropriate, with procedures such as microdiscectomy, laminectomy, artificial disc replacement, kyphoplasty, and spinal fusion. Each plan is built around your specific condition.

Minimally invasive spine surgery uses smaller incisions, which typically means less muscle disruption, less pain afterward, and a quicker recovery. Our aim is to relieve pain and help you return to daily activities safely.

BRAIN & SPINAL TUMORS

Hearing the word "tumor" is frightening, and this diagnosis calls for both precision and genuine compassion. We provide surgical management for benign and malignant brain and spinal tumors, with a patient-centered approach at every step.

Types of tumors we treat

• Gliomas (including glioblastoma, astrocytoma, oligodendroglioma): primary brain tumors that may cause headaches, seizures, personality changes, speech or vision problems, weakness, or numbness.

• Meningiomas: usually benign, but can grow and cause headaches, vision changes, hearing loss, or seizures depending on location.

• Pituitary adenomas: can affect hormone balance, leading to fatigue, weight changes, visual disturbances, or menstrual irregularity.

• Metastatic brain tumors: cancers that have spread to the brain, often with neurological changes, balance issues, or persistent headaches.

• Schwannomas and acoustic neuromas: affect nerves for hearing and balance, sometimes causing hearing loss, tinnitus, or dizziness.

• Spinal cord tumors: may cause back pain, limb weakness, sensory changes, difficulty walking, or bowel/bladder changes.

Symptoms to watch for

Common signs include persistent headaches (especially worse in the morning), seizures, vision or hearing changes, loss of coordination or balance, personality or cognitive changes, numbness, tingling or weakness in the arms or legs, and unexplained nausea or vomiting.

How we diagnose

MRI and CT scans for detailed images of brain and spinal tissue. Advanced imaging such as functional MRI (fMRI), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and MR spectroscopy to help distinguish tumor types and guide planning.

Biopsy, in some cases, to determine the exact tumor type.Neurological evaluation to assess the tumor's effect on cognitive and physical function.

Treatment options

• Surgical removal: where possible, we aim for maximal safe resection, using neuro-navigation and intra-operative technology to help protect key brain and spinal cord functions.

• Minimally invasive techniques: for select tumors, minimally invasive or endoscopic approaches may reduce recovery time and risk.

• Stereotactic radiosurgery (Gamma Knife): focused radiation for tumors that are hard to reach or for patients who are not surgical candidates.

• Coordinated care: we work with oncology, radiation therapy, and endocrinology when a tumor calls for chemotherapy, radiation, or hormone management.

• Monitoring: some tumors don't need immediate removal; we follow low-risk lesions with regular imaging.

Operating on the brain and spine is a delicate balance: removing as much of the tumor as is safely possible while protecting your neurological function. We use advanced imaging and surgical mapping to help preserve your ability to speak, move, and think clearly, with your long-term quality of life in mind.

FUNCTIONAL NEUROSURGERY

Movement disorders

Functional neurosurgery addresses conditions that affect movement and daily life. The disorders we most often manage include Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, dystonia, and Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH, covered in its own section below).

Conditions we treat

• Parkinson's disease: a progressive disorder causing tremor, slowness (bradykinesia), stiffness, and balance and coordination problems, sometimes with changes in speech, facial expression, or fine motor skills.

• Essential tremor: involuntary shaking of the hands, arms, head, or voice that can disrupt writing, eating, or speaking.

• Dystonia: involuntary muscle contractions causing twisting or repetitive movements and abnormal postures.

• Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH): a triad of walking difficulty, urinary changes, and cognitive changes (see below).

• Other movement disorders: including hemifacial spasm, tics, myoclonus, chorea, and secondary tremors.

How we diagnose

We start with a detailed neurological exam and history, and may add MRI or CT imaging to look for structural causes; DaTscan or functional imaging to help confirm Parkinson's or distinguish it from other conditions; gait and mobility testing; neuropsychological testing when memory or cognition is involved; and, for suspected NPH, a spinal tap ("tap test") to help predict benefit from surgery.

Treatment options

Medical management: first-line therapy often uses medication to control tremor and stiffness (for example, levodopa/carbidopa for Parkinson's, or propranolol or primidone for essential tremor).

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS): for patients whose symptoms aren't adequately controlled by medication, DBS can meaningfully reduce tremor, stiffness, and dyskinesia (see the DBS section).

Shunt placement for NPH: for properly diagnosed NPH, a programmable shunt to drain excess fluid can improve walking and cognitive symptoms.

Rehabilitation: physical, occupational, and speech therapy are an important part of care for many patients.

Ongoing adjustment: we partner with you and your referring providers to monitor progress and fine-tune therapy over time.

Our goal is to help you keep as much function and independence as possible. Every patient's path is different, and we're here to help you find both answers and support along the way.

DEEP BRAIN STIMULATION

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)DBS is an established surgical treatment for movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, and dystonia, particularly when symptoms can't be managed with medication alone. It works a bit like a pacemaker for the brain: fine electrodes are placed precisely within specific brain regions and deliver controlled electrical signals that can reduce tremor, stiffness, and other disruptive symptoms.

Conditions treated

Parkinson's disease: can reduce tremor, rigidity, slowness, and motor fluctuations when symptoms are not controlled by medication alone.

Essential tremor: can help control shaking that interferes with everyday activities.

Dystonia: can ease abnormal muscle contractions and postures when medication isn't enough. Other selected movement disorders: considered in certain treatment-resistant cases.

Symptoms that may prompt an evaluation

• Persistent tremor or shaking of the hands, arms, or head

• Stiffness or rigidity that limits movement

• Slowed movement, shuffling gait, or balance problems

• "Off" periods when medication becomes less effective

• Difficulty with daily tasks due to uncontrolled movement

• Voice changes or reduced facial expression, which can precede more classic symptoms

How we determine whether DBS is right for you

Candidacy involves a comprehensive neurological evaluation of movement, strength, coordination, and response to medication; a detailed symptom history; MRI or CT imaging to plan safe electrode placement; and, in some cases, medication adjustments or symptom tracking to confirm DBS fits your situation.

What to expect

Dr. Gorecki brings years of experience performing DBS, and is known for careful pre- surgical planning, precise mapping of target trajectories, and a strong focus on patient safety. If you're a candidate, the procedure places electrodes in targeted brain regions that then deliver controlled electrical pulses to help manage symptoms. Afterward, our team programs the device to balance symptom relief with side effects, and sees you for regular follow-up so the settings can be adjusted as your needs change. We'll guide you and your family through every phase, from evaluation and surgery to programming and ongoing care.

Many people associate Parkinson's with its hallmark tremor, but the earliest signs are often subtle and easy to mistake for normal aging, such as changes in movement, reduced facial expression, or a quieter voice. Paying attention to these small shifts, and trusting your instincts, matters. An early, accurate diagnosis gives you more time to explore options, including DBS, that can help preserve independence and quality of life.

Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH)

NPH is a distinct and often treatable condition that most commonly affects adults over 60. It's marked by a classic triad: difficulty walking, memory changes, and urinary incontinence. Because these overlap with other conditions, NPH is sometimes mistaken for Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, or ordinary aging, which is why an accurate diagnosis matters so much.

Key symptoms

• Gait disturbance: a slow, broad-based, or shuffling walk is often the earliest and most prominent sign; some patients feel their feet are "stuck" to the floor.

• Cognitive changes: subtle memory problems, slowed thinking, or difficulty planning everyday tasks.

• Urinary changes: urgency, frequency, or loss of bladder control, sometimes progressing over time.

How we diagnose

• Imaging: MRI or CT to look for enlarged ventricles without marked loss of brain tissue.

• Lumbar puncture ("tap test"): temporarily removing spinal fluid can help predict whether shunt surgery is likely to help.

• Gait and neuropsychological testing: measurements before and after fluid removal help confirm

  the diagnosis and expected benefit.Treatment

• Shunt placement: for patients diagnosed with NPH, a programmable ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt drains excess fluid away from the brain. This can improve walking, thinking, and continence, and in some patients the improvement is substantial.

• Follow-up and rehabilitation: we monitor and adjust the shunt over time and coordinate with physical therapy to support recovery.

Why timing matters: because NPH can respond to treatment, an early and accurate diagnosis is important, and some patients improve even after months or years of symptoms. If you or a loved one notices changes in mobility, memory, or bladder control, especially together, a thorough neurological evaluation is worthwhile.

PRECISION RADIOSURGERY

Not every brain condition needs traditional open surgery. Gamma Knife radiosurgery treats certain brain lesions and tumors with little effect on surrounding healthy tissue. Despite the name, there's no blade involved: it's a noninvasive form of focused radiation that concentrates many small beams onto a precise target.

Conditions often treated with Gamma Knife

• Metastatic brain tumors: cancers that have spread to the brain, often with headaches, neurological changes, or weakness.

• Meningiomas and acoustic neuromas (vestibular schwannomas): usually benign, sometimes causing hearing loss, tinnitus, unsteady gait, or facial numbness.

• Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs): abnormal tangles of blood vessels that may cause headaches, seizures, or bleeding.

• Trigeminal neuralgia: severe, shock-like facial pain triggered by mild stimulation such as brushing teeth.

• Pituitary adenomas: tumors near the base of the brain that may affect hormones or vision.

• Recurrent or residual tumors: tumors that have returned or could not be fully removed with surgery.

Symptoms that may warrant evaluation

Persistent or worsening headaches; sudden facial pain or numbness; new hearing loss, tinnitus, or balance problems; or seizures and other unexplained neurological symptoms such as weakness, vision changes, or difficulty speaking.

How we diagnose and plan

MRI with contrast is the primary tool for identifying the size, shape, and location of a lesion (with angiography added for blood-vessel problems like AVMs). Functional imaging helps us map critical areas such as language and motor function, and a full neurological assessment ties it together into a personalized plan.

Treatment options

• Gamma Knife radiosurgery: a noninvasive procedure completed in a single session, without an incision or general anesthesia, well suited to small- to medium-sized tumors, AVMs, and some functional conditions.

• Combined therapy: for some conditions, radiosurgery is used alongside open surgery, standard radiation, or medication.

• Microvascular decompression (MVD): for trigeminal neuralgia, this open surgical option relieves pressure on the nerve and provides lasting relief for many patients; we'll help you weigh it against radiosurgery.

• Monitoring: some lesions shrink gradually over months to years; we coordinate follow-up imaging and visits to track your progress.

By focusing treatment only where it's needed, this technology lets us address abnormalities deep within the brain without an incision, helping protect healthy tissue and support a quicker return to daily life.

TRAUMA & PERIPHERAL NERVE

Trauma and peripheral nerve care Injuries to the nervous system can happen suddenly, after an accident or fall, or build gradually from repetitive motion, medical conditions, or aging. We treat a wide range of traumatic injuries and peripheral nerve disorders, with personalized care at each stage of recovery.Conditions we treat

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI): from mild concussion to severe injury, with symptoms such as headache, confusion, memory loss, mood changes, dizziness, or balance problems.

• Spinal cord injury: may cause loss of sensation or movement, weakness, pain, numbness, tingling, and in severe cases paralysis.

• Peripheral nerve injuries: lacerations, compressions, or entrapments such as carpal tunnel syndrome, ulnar neuropathy, and peroneal nerve palsy, with pain, tingling, numbness, weakness, or clumsiness.

• Brachial plexus injuries: often from trauma, causing loss of movement or sensation in the shoulder, arm, or hand.

• Nerve tumors (schwannomas, neurofibromas): usually benign growths that can cause localized pain, swelling, or neurological symptoms.

Symptoms to watch for

• Persistent or worsening pain, numbness, or tingling in the arms, legs, hands, or feet

• Weakness or loss of function in a limb

• Unexplained muscle wasting or cramping

• Sudden changes in sensation after an injury

• Difficulty with coordination, balance, or fine motor skills

• New headaches, confusion, or memory problems after trauma

How we diagnose

A detailed neurological exam localizes the injury; MRI and CT evaluate the brain, spine, and site of nerve injury or compression; nerve-conduction studies and EMG measure nerve function and severity; and ultrasound is occasionally used to view nerve entrapment in the limbs.

Treatment options

• Non-surgical management: physical and occupational therapy, pain management, splinting or orthotics, and medication to reduce nerve pain and swelling.

• Surgical intervention: when needed, procedures such as microsurgical nerve repair, decompression (for example carpal tunnel or cubital tunnel release), nerve grafting, or removal of nerve tumors, aimed at restoring function, relieving pain, and preventing further damage.Trauma surgery: for severe injuries such as hematomas, skull fractures, or unstable spine fractures, we provide prompt surgical care.

• Rehabilitation: we coordinate closely with rehabilitation specialists to support nerve healing and your return to everyday activities.

GENERAL NEUROSURGERY

Comprehensive general neurosurgery

Beyond these focused areas, we care for a wide range of general neurosurgical conditions. A diagnosis can feel overwhelming, and part of our job is to offer clarity, with honest answers and a clear plan.

Conditions we treat

• Hydrocephalus: abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid, often with headache, nausea, walking or balance problems, cognitive changes, or vision disturbance.

• Chiari malformation: a structural difference at the lower brain that can cause headache, neck pain, dizziness, balance trouble, or numbness in the hands and feet.

• Cranial nerve disorders: including facial nerve palsy and trigeminal neuralgia.

• Vascular disorders: such as cerebral aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations, sometimes found after headaches, seizures, or neurological changes, or incidentally on imaging.

• Traumatic injuries: skull fractures, chronic subdural hematomas, and brain contusions.

• Infections and abscesses: of the brain or spine, which may present with fever, headache, neck stiffness, or confusion.

• Congenital conditions: such as tethered cord syndrome or spina bifida occulta that become symptomatic in adulthood.

How we diagnose

A detailed neurological exam assesses reflexes, strength, sensation, balance, and cognition; MRI and CT visualize the brain and spine; cerebrospinal fluid analysis helps with certain disorders; angiography evaluates vascular conditions; and EEG is used when seizures are part of the picture.

Treatment options

• Medical management: some conditions are treated or stabilized with medication, such as antibiotics for infection or anticonvulsants for seizures.

• Surgical intervention: options including shunt placement for hydrocephalus, decompression for

  Chiari malformation, hematoma evacuation, aneurysm clipping or coiling, and cranial nerve decompression.

• Minimally invasive approaches: used when appropriate to reduce risk and support recovery.

• Multidisciplinary care: we coordinate with neurology, pain specialists, and rehabilitation for care before and after surgery.

• Long-term monitoring: for chronic or recurrent conditions, regular follow-up and imaging help protect your neurological health.

Already have a diagnosis and want to understand your options? Dr. Gorecki provides second opinions: we review your imaging, listen to your history, and give you an honest, thorough assessment of the paths available to you.

TAKE THE NEXT STEP

Don't see your condition? Reach out anyway.

Neurological health is personal, and many conditions overlap across these areas. Wherever you are on your journey, you don't have to navigate it alone.

Contact our Northside Hospital practice to talk through your symptoms and schedule a consultation.